Forgotten Gods by S. B. Stewart-Laing and Michael J. Chernicoff is an alternate history/fantasy novel set in 1745 Scotland. An army of Scottish rebels is about to be crushed by the larger and more ruthless British government forces, and decide to ask for supernatural help from the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the Fair Folk have a very different morality than their human allies, and quickly take advantage of the fact that Warm Bloodbags Are Everywhere, much to the dismay of the human population.
This book provides examples of:
- Bad Boss: Lord Hereford's job at the Treasury seems to consist of making life miserable for Alfred.
- Blue-and-Orange Morality: The faeries don't understand that it's not okay to use their human allies as food or entertainment.
- Body to Jewel: A human magic user's lost Life Energy leaves behind small red gems.
- Cats Are Snarkers: The cat-sidhe enjoy criticising the human characters.
- The Fair Folk: The rebels call upon these for help against the British. It didn't exactly turn out the way they hoped.
- Heroic Sacrifice: Marian, who becomes a Soulless Shell after using magic to save the rebel leader's life.
- Literal Metaphor: The daione sìdhe describe themselves as living 'inside the hills'. The Prince, who never got taught the original folklore, mistakes this for an idiom. Marian, a non-native English speaker, notices and puts the pieces together. Cue a Mass "Oh, Crap!" from everyone present.
- Requisite Royal Regalia: Averted. The Prince dresses like the other Scottish soldiers, which bothers Alfred no end.
- Summon Bigger Fish: The Scots call on the Fair Folk to help them defeat the British Army.
- What's Up, King Dude?: The Scots run on this, much to Alfred's discomfort.
- You Have to Believe Me!: Alfred tries this on his superiors after his party of government officials is wiped out by faeries and rebels. It doesn't work.
